Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1887-03-23
FESTIVITIES AT BERLIN.
No Diminution of the Erthusiasm-Pror
inent Germans Decorated.

No Diminution of the Erthusiasm-Prom-
inent Germans Decorated.
BERLIN, March 23-The authorities OF
the municipality of Berlin proceeded in pro-
cession Tuesday morning from the town hall
to the church of St Nicholas to participate
in the commemorative service celebrated in
that edifice. The procession was accompanied
by bands of music, trumpeters, etc, and pre-
sented gorgeous appearance. As the clergy
and the members of the municipal govern
ment, each attired in his robes Of Office, en-
tered the organ pealed forth hymn OF
Thanksgiving and a great shout went up
from the crowd surrounding the building
The musical part Of the services were strik-
ingly appropriate, and the festival sermon a
panegyric of the aged emperor.
At noon royal salute was fired in the
koenig splatz, and at o'clock Prince Bis
marck and Gen Won Moltke arrived at the
palace an congratulated the kaiser. They
were enthusiastically chee red on their way
to and from the palace and acknowledged
the ovation by repeatedly raising their head
covering and bowling to the multitude
The day was celebrated in every town in
Germany From 8 O'Clock untiI6 in the
afternoon heavy rain prevailed, but this
did not dampen the ardor of the people, and
no diminution of the number Of persons in
the streets was observable
The scenes during the evening were mag
nificent beyond description. The entire city
was illuminated, large number of luminous
decorations being costly and unique, and the
sky seemed ablaze with rockets and every
conceivable species of fire works. The most
superb spectacle of all was exhibited in front
of the Academy of Arts, and consisted of a
huge picture, 800 feet long and sixty feet
high, depicting some of the most interesting
and important events of the emperor's life.
Prince Bismarck and Count Won Moltke,
it is said, have received most magnificent re-
wards for their invaluable services to the
state, the character of which, however, is as
yet unknown to the public and all OF the
secretaries of departments ministers Of the
empirel have been decorated
The emperor received deputation of the
imperial household Tuesday evening and in
speech of thanks for their congratulations
said: 81 have reached this age by the grace
of God. If the Lord helps me and wants me
to, may live to see another year"
The emperor conferred decorations upon
Herren Won Puttkamer, Won Boetticher,
Won Gossler, Won Schellendorf and Won
Scholtz, DR.. Lucius, Gen. Won Caprivi,
Count Nesselrode. and Count Herbert Bis
marck. The emperor announced at the i'm
perlal reception held at the palace in the
afternoon the betrothal of Prince Henry,
second son of the crown prince OF Prussia,
| to Princess Irene of Hesse. After the recep.
ton the emperor and empress attended the
family dinner given by thu Crown Prince
| Frederick William at his palace. The fes-
| tivitieS were continued to late hour In the
| night, the people thron2ing the streets in
| immense numbers and making the welkin
ring with cheers and patriotic songs
In the evening the emperor and empress
| attended a soiree in the white hall of the
royal castle. The empress entered the hal
at O'Clock, leaning upon the arm Of bel
grandson, and looking much older and fee
bier than the emperor. During the intervals
between the entertainments which consisted
of iableauS vivant aud music, the emperor
moved about among the guests, paying hi,
| respects TO the ambassadors and diplomat,
and their wives, and receiving their congrat
| ulations The emperor and empress retired
| just before miinIght, but the guests kept
up tie festivities until the morning hours.